Missionary Aviation Fellowship - MAF

Quest Kodiak 100

On 12 May 2020, a Quest Kodiak 100 aircraft, registration PK-MEC, was being operated by Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) as a cargo flight from Sentani Airport (WAJJ), Jayapura, Papua with intended destination of Mamit Airstrip (WAVS) Tolikara, Papua. The pilot was the only person on board for this flight and the aircraft carried 694 kgs of cargo goods. At 0622 LT (2122 UTC), the pilot of PK-MEC aircraft requested clearance to the Sentani Tower controller to start aircraft engine and flying to Mamit at radial 241° with intended cruising altitude 10,000 feet. The Sentani Tower controller approved the request. At 0627 LT, on daylight condition, the aircraft took off from runway 12 of Sentani Airport, thereafter, the Sentani Tower controller advised to the pilot of PK-MEC to contact Jayapura Radar controller. At 0628LT, the pilot of PK-MEC declared “MAYDAY” on Jayapura Radar radio frequency. The Jayapura Radar controller tried to contact pilot of PK-MEC four times but no answer. At 0630 LT, the Jayapura Radar Controller requested the pilot of PK-RCE that was just took off from Sentani to visually observe the position of PK-MEC aircraft. Few minutes later, the pilot of PK-RCE reported to Jayapura Radar controller that some debris were seen on Sentani Lake and some boats were moving toward the debris location. The pilot of PK-RCE assumed that PK-MEC aircraft had crashed to the lake. The pilot fatally injured. The wreckages have been recovered including the Global Positioning System (GPS) data card.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

On approach to Bimin-Wobagen Airport runway 30, the twin engine aircraft lost height and crashed in a wooded area. Both pilots (New Zealand citizens) were killed instantly and all 11 other occupants were injured, some seriously. They walk away to the village to find help and receive care. The aircraft has a single 11/29 grass/dirt runway located at an altitude of 1,767 metres and offer a 10° slope. Runway 29 is for landing only and runway 11 for takeoff only.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

The twin engine aircraft departed Tabubil and a regular schedule flight to Selbang, carrying 26 passengers and two pilots. After passing over Olsobip, the crew encountered poor visibility due to clouds. While flying at an altitude of 6,400 feet in clouds, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located about 9 km south of Selbang. The aircraft was destroyed and all 28 occupants were killed. At the time of the accident, the cloud layer was reported from 4,000 to 10,000 feet.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

Crashed in unknown circumstances while on approach to Ilaga Airport. Seven occupants were killed and 23 others were injured.

GAF Nomad N.22

Crashed in unknown circumstances somewhere in the Irian Jaya province.